Why Quality Matters for Outdoor Cushions
Editors Note: Updated September, 2018
Don't wear out your bum this summer! Sitting down on flat cushions is like jumping in a pair of tennis sneakers with a worn out sole. It can be downright painful and the discomfort is enough to ruin your experience! To make sure that your guests are enjoying their visit during your summer activities, now is the perfect time to replace your patio cushions with high quality outdoor cushions.
Frankly, I've sat on some cushions that have seen their better days to say the least. Replacing cushions can be a bright idea that allows you to highlight, accent, and even contrast the color scheme of your home's exterior. Patio Productions is one of the only online retailers that offers hundreds of custom fabric options so you can find the perfect fit for you patio.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quality Outdoor Cushions
Comfort transforms every sit. Good cushions add real padding between you and the frame, turning lounges into places you’ll linger. Fresh cushions also revive tired sets with new color and texture—an instant upgrade for hosting and everyday relaxing.
Must: sofas, sectionals, chaises, daybeds. Deep-seating pieces are dedicated to lounging and require cushions for comfort. Dining sets and bar sets can look great without cushions, so prioritize your budget where you relax most.
Yes—refresh color, connect spaces. Use cushions to highlight, accent, or contrast your exterior, and visually link indoor and outdoor areas. Patio Productions offers hundreds of custom fabric options—including Sunbrella—with custom sizes, welting, and piping.
Top-tier UV and water resistance. Sunbrella is known for colorfast, water-resistant performance outdoors. For longest life, avoid leaving cushions out year-round—store them after peak season to give fabrics a break from the elements.
Store dry; use a cushion box. Keep cushions out of the rainy season, or use a dedicated storage box. Regular storage keeps canvases cleaner, extends life, and preserves that “new” look for next year.
Brush, soap, soak, rinse, air-dry. Brush off dirt. Apply mild-soap solution and scrub with a soft brush. Let it soak in, then rinse thoroughly until all soap is gone. Air-dry completely before storing or using again.
Sunbrella + Tenara sewing thread. Sunbrella uses long-lasting Tenara thread that holds up at the seams, so cushions and throw pillows stay intact through sun, rain, and repeated use.
Comfort
The main function of your cushion is to provide padding between you and the bottom of your chair. For sectional sets, typically, you'll have an additional seat back to rest on. Any piece of outdoor furniture will be more comfortable with a new set of cushions. Once you lay out on your chaise lounge, you'll realize the difference instantly! You certainly don't need cushions for every piece of patio furniture you have. Some certain materials and sets aren't used with cushions. Dining sets and bar sets don't need to have outdoor cushions on them to look nice. On the flip side, it's a must to have cushions on sofas, sectionals, chaise lounges, and day beds. Those are all patio furniture pieces that are dedicated to hanging out and lounging. Without cushions, there would be a serious lack of comfort. Patio cushions allow you to remain seated for extended periods, enjoying pouring sun rays and feeling the heat radiating across your body. Imagine that!
Aesthetics
Maybe you've been doing some renovating around the house. To keep up to date with your evolving style and personality (mid-life crisis), you can order custom Sunbrella cushions that will complement your home's exterior finish. You should aim to connect the interior of your home with the exterior. This will help blend your home together instead of segmenting and mismatching into disconnected spaces that don't really go together. Outdoor cushions have a reputation for fading and losing their color after an extended time outdoors. This will definitely happen if you buy cheap fabric. Sunbrella makes amazing cushions that are top-of-the-line and extremely water and UV-resistant. Of course, they'll not last forever if they're left outside year-round. We like to recommend taking them inside after the main outdoor lounging season is over and putting them in storage. This way, they'll get a little break from the elements!
Sanitation
The canvas of your cushion can accumulate mold or mildew. To avoid this, remember to store your cushions during the rainy season or invest in a matching cushion storage box. A fresh set of cushions means a whole new lease on life! Even if you're an expert on taking care of outdoor cushions, they will inevitably get dirty. If you purchased Sunbrella cushions (as per our recommendation), then we've got a quick cleaning checklist that will leave your cushions looking good as new.
Cleaning
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Spray on a cleaning solution of water and mild soap.
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
Sunbrella Replacement Cushions & Tenara Sewing Threads
Sunbrella holds the gold standard when it comes to outdoor canvas'. Their name is synonymous with high-quality outdoor cushions. Sunbrella uses a special Tenara Sewing Thread that offers a long-lasting hold along the seams of your cushions and throw pillows.
